HJBR May/Jun 2020

40 MAY / JUN 2020 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE COLUMN CONSULTANT’S CORNER STAY INFORMED, BUT DON’T BE OBSESSED WITH THE NEWS It is essential to stay informed about what is happening in and around the city so you can play a part in containing the virus spread. However, there is a lot of misinformation about the disease. You need to take a step back from the media. Switch it off. Limiting your media consumption to a particular time and duration can actually help reduce your anxiety. Check it only once in a while. Stick to only the trusted sources of information like theWorld Health Organization’s website and social media handles. You can also ask a reliable friend, coworker, or family mem- ber to share information with you once in a while. And most importantly, don’t spread misinformation. We all need to be responsible and avoid spreading rumors that can create panic among the general populace. FOCUS ONWHAT YOU CAN CONTROL There are so many things out of our con- trol. For instance, we don’t know how long this pandemic will last, what will happen to Coping with ANXIETY & STRESS During the COVID-19 Pandemic As COVID-19 ravages through the world (and our TV screens), fears about the pandemic can take an emotional toll on everyone’s health. Living with anxiety and coping with stress under these circumstances can be a daunting task. Karen Salmansohm’s quote says it best. “Anxiety is like a toddler. It never stops talking. Tells you you’re wrong about everything. Wakes you up at 3 a.m.” But fear not, you are not powerless. By keeping these simple tips in the back of your head and taking necessary steps, you can get through this period with ease.